National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up (NMIRF): Unknown

Engagement with the HRC

Principal sponsorship of HRC resolutions

Kazakhstan has not been principal sponsor of any Council resolution.

Voting record

Since it first became a member of the Council in 2013, Kazakhstan has (in the absence of consensus) voted in favour of item 4 (situations that require the Council’s attention) resolutions on the situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea; against resolutions on the situations in Belarus and the Islamic Republic of Iran; and has abstained on a large number of resolutions on the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic. It also abstained during voting on country-specific item 2 resolutions on the situation in Sri Lanka. For item 7 resolutions (human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories), Kazakhstan has consistently voted in favour. On item 10 resolutions (capacity-building), Kazakhstan has joined consensus on all resolutions except for two that were voted on during the period of its membership: on cooperation with Ukraine (Kazakhstan abstained).
For thematic resolutions dealing with civil and political rights, Kazakhstan has generally joined consensus. Where there has been a vote, it has tended to vote in favour. Notwithstanding, it has abstained during votes on the right to peace, sexual orientation, and the effects of terrorism.
For thematic resolutions dealing with economic, social and cultural rights, Kazakhstan has either joined consensus on, or has voted in favour of, all adopted texts except for three (where it abstained): on unilateral coercive measures (twice) and access to medicine.

Fulfilment of past voluntary pledges & commitments

Specific voluntary pledges: 6

Domestically, Kazakhstan commits to implement UN human rights recommendations (e.g. from Treaty Bodies and Special Procedures) by integrating them into its national human rights action plan. The country also pledges to table a national bill on the establishment of a national preventative mechanism (NPM) under the OPCAT, and to continue its efforts towards the gradual abolition of the death penalty.

At international level, Kazakhstan pledges to participate fully in the UPR process, and to effectively implement the recommendations generated by Special Procedures.

An analysis of steps taken by Kazakhstan in fulfilment of its international level pledges shows that in 2014, the UN Committee against Torture recognised the establishment of an NPM under the OPCAT, although it also expressed concerns about its operation. Kazakhstan has taken steps to meaningfully participate in the UPR process by submitting mid-term reports. However, its participation in other countries’ reviews remains low (only 20 during the first cycle.) On paper, Kazakhstan has a strong record of cooperation with Special Procedures. It maintains a Standing Invitation, has facilitated 12 out of 17 visit requests, and has responded to almost two thirds of communications.